Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa

Al Maha is a sanctuary for man and beast alike, a nature reserve rekindling the surprising life of the desert. The main resort itself takes up less than two per cent of the wild expanse in which it is cradled. Here, as part of the conservation initiative, endangered indigenous animals are being carefully reintroduced into the wild.

Hence you will find yourself part of a unique population: domani and rheem gazelle, scimitar - horned Oryx, the beautiful Arabian Oryx, the rare Arabian fox, the tiny desert hare. It is this diversity of fauna, and the richness of the flora on which it depends, that so surprises visitors, and changes their notions of what the word "desert" entails.

Animals are elusive of course, but the knowledgeable Field Guides will seek them with you on safari, traveling the sands as the Bedouin did, in the long shadows of dawn or dusk. Al Maha promises new experiences for even the most seasoned traveler. Have you ridden high on a camel across haunting desert plains? Have you experienced the solitude of the dunes at sunset? Have you held a falcon and later watched it soar, circle, then fall in a flash for its prey?

You will, at Al Maha. The Hotel's Field Guides will help you with their expert understanding of the terrain, and the techniques they use to master it. How they drive the dunes in a four - wheel drive vehicle how, to get close to shy animals.

Adventure And Discovery:

At Al Maha you'll discover a disappearing way of life. You'll discover the weave of the sands. You'll discover ancient pursuits like archery and ancient places like Hatta and Oman. And, so long as your sense of adventure is alive, you'll discover a little more about yourself.

To stand on the quay of Dubai's famous Creek is to straddle two worlds. Look up at the defiant architecture of the soaring towers, and you know that you know that you are standing in one of the most progressive cities on the planet. Yet reflected, quite literally, in their walls of gleaming glass, rare the sublime wooden dhows that line the Creek - unloading textiles, spics, rice - trading as they have traded for a thousand years.

Al Maha, also, embraces two worlds: the world of comfort, indulgent dinning and private temperature - controlled swimming pools. And, at the same time, a simpler world rooted in the ethics of the Bedouin ways: hospitality, balance and respect for life. This is a world that calls to you from across the centuries. Experience the legend that is Al Maha.

World Legacy Award 2004

Emirates' Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa added to its list of prestigious awards recently by beating off fierce international competition to take the World Legacy Award 2004 (Nature Travel), one of the world's premier conservation accolades.

History

The Legend Of Al Maha:

Old men told of this place where water flowed from a rock, the perpetual spring fed by ancient underground lakes. Birds gathered in the dense trees, gazelle hid from the shimmering heat under matted palms, and occasionally even the hardened, elusive Arabian leopard was seen in the distant mountains.

The place took its name from the proudest of all dune dwellers - the Arabian Oryx. Herds of these spear - horned antelope would appear out of the heat haze - nomadic bands seeking this place of shelter and respite. The people named the oasis after them and "Al Maha" came to be known far and wide. But even amongst the tribes of the desert, the selfishness of one man prevailed. Wishing to control the life around him he built his camp around the water, used it selfishly, and diverted its course.

The desert is an unforgiving place to those who cannot read its signs or understand its subtle warnings. Without the grasses or the palms, the vengeful sands first covered the dry rock pools, then smothered the trees, and finally buried the encampment which had strangled the flow of water from the rock.

Through generations, young adventures were lost in the shifting sea of sand as they searched for signs of Al Maha. many trekked over the buried place, only to fall next to their exhausted camels, a noble fate at the end of a fruitless journey.

Confounded by the disobedience of his hunting falcon, a young man followed his bird's movements over the dunes, only to see it perched on a thin branch protruding through the sand. Approaching the bird, anger turned to curiosity at seeing small green leaves sprouting from a slender twig. Knowing this as a sure sign of water below, the youth and his brothers returned to the same place and dug the layers of time away. Finally, removing a stout wedge from a crack in a rocky ledge, water bubbled out and the brothers watched as the thin stream washed the sands away, revealing the ancient walls of the camp.

The brothers settled alongside the pools, vowing that never again would any man or animal of the desert be denied the source of all life. Palms and once - lost wild vegetation flourished around the ancient walls and rocky pools. The wild animals returned and the surest sign of the rebirth of this fabled place, was the return of the Arabian Oryx, after which the oasis had always be named.

Availability

Additional Information

The Al Maha Desert resort, Dubai is an idyllic, exclusive oasis set within a 25-square kilometre conservation wildlife reserve.

Bedouin Suites

There are 37 Bedouin Suites at Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, each enjoying their own private space amidst the quiet resort surroundings. Graceful interiors scattered with regional antiques and artefacts together with thoughtful extras such as binoculars and an easel, should your artistic instincts be inspired, make this an inviting place to spend quality time. Each private swimming pool spills out into a never ending vista of dramatic desert and mountain views whilst the private deck provides a secluded area for spending relaxing time alone or as an intimate spot for a personalised dining experience.

The two Royal Suites combine the richest comfort with an authentic ambience inspired by regional artefacts and antiques. Two luxurious bedrooms and a large lounge offer a relaxing experience whilst the spacious terrace with its sizeable pool is complemented by expansive views out into the open desert. Together with exemplary service and delightful surroundings, the Royal Suites offer an exclusive experience and a sense of unparalleled peace.

The two Emirates Suites are set away from the main resort and offer comfort and luxury in equal measure. Each has two large bedrooms and a spacious lounge, incorporating a dining area, as well as a courtyard and deck around the pool for alfresco dining and relaxing. Residential quarters for your private staff and a kitchen of generous proportions allow a degree of autonomy away from the main resort. The Emirates Suites provide a stylish haven to relax in the company of friends and family or entertain in style.

The Presidential Suite is the finest we have to offer at Al Maha. With 530 square metres of stunning luxury, three large bedrooms and opulent bathrooms to match, the suite is designed for the ultimate in sophistication. The sound of gently running water from the decorative features in the inviting majlis creates a calming ambience, which is enhanced by original antiques and artefacts displayed throughout. With every extravagance catered for, including quarters for your private staff, the Presidential Suite is the perfect place to relax or entertain.

Private and personalised activities including Camel Trek and Sundowners

Complimentary Private Deck Dining or Desert Picnic

Complimentary bottle of Champagne

Complimentary fruit basket

Area: 530 square metres

So Good To Arrive:

Arriving at Al Maha is an experience rooted in the traditions of Arab hospitality, and as far away as you can get from the concept of "checking in".

You will be greeted personally by your own dedicated hostess in the cool of the spacious central building's maze of delightful books, daily magazines and newspapers, antiques and informated artworks, the ladies and men's majlis (traditional Arabic meeting place), with their fascinating antiques. The lounge and veranda, where you can take tea in the afternoon, or sit and watch the animals at the nearby waterhole through field glasses at dusk.

But your arrival is just a beginning, and or warm hospitality extends beyond a welcome. Al Maha's hand - picked service team is drawn from over 15 countries, speaks a total of over 20 languages but is focused on just a single objective: to ensure that your stay is everything you wish it to be - and more.

At Al Maha all meals are inclusive, and the aim is to make every one of them pleasurable for you. Whether it's breakfast in your suite, a buffet lunch in the dining room, or a picnic for your safari, you will sense a personal and natural attentiveness and care.

Relaxed informality tends to be the prevailing mood. Many guests like to enjoy a sundowner on the bar's terrace, and look out at its tranquil views. The barbecues in a lush oasis are tremendous fun. Snacks in the poolside retreat can be as elaborate as a mezze, or as simple as a sandwich. It all revolves around what you want to do.

The desert has inspired romantics for centuries, and you'll see why, when you experience a dinner in the dunes. In the gentle breezes of the open desert, with just the stars and the setting sun for company. Unforgettable.

Dining, Five Stars Or A Thousand?

Al Maha's elegant dining room, with its high palm frond ceiling and lovely views, perfectly sets off five - star cuisine. Here, Mediterranean dishes like osso buco, sea bass, gnocchi fiorentina compete for your palate with traditional Middle Eastern delights such as tabouleh, khofta, felafel, tagines. Fine wines from around the world add to the pleasure.

Of course you needn't always dine inside. Out on the canopied terrace, under the light of dancing flames, you can enjoy the pleasant, talkative ambience that the warm desert air seems to encourage.

If you prefer to be more intimate, dinner just for you, on your own veranda, will be prepared. Five memorable courses, beside your gently rippling pool, under a deep velvet sky - and 1.000 shimmering stars. Bon appetite

The above Exclusively Special Rates are inclusive of Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Full Board- Excluding Beverages and on site activities), taxes and Services charge.

On site activities included in the rates are Widlife Drive, Guided Nature walks with Al Maha nature reserved, Archery, Falconry. Desert Drive. Horse-riding, Camel Trekking Sundowners & Ghaf Tree walk>
A Maximum of 2 activities per person per nights stay.
Any Additional activities wil be charged directly to the guests.

Please note that above prices maybe are not valid for the GCC Markets, U.A.E. residence and during Exhibitions and Special Events.

Check in time is 14.00hrs and check out time is 12.00hrs.
Early check in and late check out is subject to availability and charges are applicable as per hotel policy.

Honeymoon Package/Special Wedding Anniversaries (Silver/Pearl/Ruby/Gold)
» A complimentary private deck dining per booking per stay.
» A bottle of Champagne in suite on arrival.
Available any season. Hotel reserves the right to ask for a copy of the wedding certificate.
Honeymoon package offer must be utilized within 6 months of wedding date.

» Book for a minimum 4 nights and receive the following additional benefit as part of the above Honeymoon/Wedding Anniversaries Package:
Two Complimentary 60 minutes Timeless Spa treatments from selected menu per booking per stay.

Premium Suite Benefits
Presidential Suite:

Complimentary Mini-bar
One complimentary spa treatment from selected menu per guest per stay
Private and personalized activities including Camel trekking and Sundowners
A complimentary Private Deck Dining or Dune Picnic per booking per stay
A bottle of Champagne in suite on arrival
Fruit basket in suite on arrival
Upgraded amenities

Emirates Suite:
A bottle of Champagne in suite on arrival
Fruit basket in suite on arrival
A complimentary Private Deck Dining or Dune Picnic per booking per stay

Cancellation Policy :
Cancellation from 23 to 10 Days prior to arrival will be charged 1 nights charge.
Cancellation from 9 to 0 Days prior to arrival will be charged at 100 %.
No Show will be charged at 100 %.
Early Checkout will be charged at 100 %.